The 64-officer mission set to fly to Greece in the early hours of Tuesday has been called off.

Government Spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis said the Greek government has changed its request to the EU civil protection mechanism and now is asking for land and air support.

“Thus, the Cypriot mission will not be travelling to Attica,” he said.

In a post on X, Fire Department spokesman Andreas Kettis said “a recent message from the Greek fire service states that their immediate needs are currently focused only on motorised equipment.”

Meanwhile, a team of SupportCY volunteers are flying to Greece on Tuesday to help address the consequences of the devastating fires.

SupportCY says the mission, comprising volunteer firefighters, is carrying protective gear for themselves and those already battling the flames, as well as medical supplies.

Cyprus’ foreign ministry is closely following developments and Cypriot citizens are urged to follow announcements and guidance issued by the Greek authorities, as more areas near Athens were ordered to evacuate on Monday.

Fire services chief Nicos Logginos told the Cyprus Mail that the mission preparing to fly to Greece earlier comprised 20 people were from the Fire Department, 20 from the Forestry Department, 20 from the Civil Defence and four from the Ambulance Department.

“When the winds are strong, as in Greece at the moment, things are very difficult,” Logginos added.

The foreign ministry said it was in close contact with the Greek authorities, through the embassy in Athens.

Foreign ministry spokesman Theodoros Gotsis said that Cypriot citizens in the northeastern areas of Attica are urged to follow the announcements and guidance issued by the Greek authorities, as well as updates in the media.

The Greek government on Monday asked Cyprus to send human resources to help tackle the ongoing wildfires in the country.

The Cyprus News Agency (CNA) said President Nikos Christodoulides and Justice Minister Marios Hartsiotis have now issued instructions to “all the relevant services”, including the fire brigade, the civil defence, the forestry department, as well as nurses, to establish a mission to travel to Greece “as soon as possible”.

Later on Monday, Christodoulides spoke on the telephone with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, with Mitsotakis thanking Christodoulides for Cyprus’ “immediate response” to Greece’s request for help.

Christodoulides informed Mitsotakis about the state of progress regarding the preparation of the team of people to be sent to Greece, and said, “Cyprus always stands by Greece’s side”, while also expressing his hope that the fire will be brought under control as soon as possible,

Residents in two areas near Athens were ordered to evacuate as dozens of firefighters battled to contain blazes, which were being fuelled by strong winds and hot temperatures.

Fire crews were also tackling a fire in a forested area near the town of Megara, west of Athens, while several other regions across Greece were on high alert.

Cypriot citizens who need assistance can contact the embassy in Athens on +30-6944344901 or + 30 210 37 34 800, fax + 30 210 725 88 86, email [email protected], website www.mfa.gov.cy/embassyathens.

The foreign ministry in Cyprus can be reached at +357 22 651113, from 08.30am till 3pm, from Monday to Friday.

The crisis management contact numbers are +357 22 801000, +357 22 651295 (08.30 am – 3pm Monday to Friday) or +357 97 775998 (at any time in case of an emergency).